Florida Nursing Assistant Competency Pracrice Exam

Which of the following practices does NOT contribute to infection control?

1. Washing hands regularly

2. Using antibiotics when necessary

3. Sharing personal items

4. Maintaining a clean environment

The correct answer is: Sharing personal items

Sharing personal items does not contribute to infection control because it can facilitate the transmission of pathogens. When people share items such as towels, razors, toothbrushes, or utensils, they risk transferring bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms from one person to another. This behavior undermines the principles of infection prevention, which emphasize minimizing contact with potentially contaminated surfaces or objects. In contrast, washing hands regularly is a fundamental practice that effectively reduces the spread of germs. Hand hygiene is recognized as one of the most important measures to prevent infections. Similarly, using antibiotics appropriately helps eliminate bacterial infections but should always be done under medical guidance to avoid resistance. Maintaining a clean environment helps remove dirt and germs, further reducing the likelihood of infections spreading. These practices collectively support a robust infection control strategy, while sharing personal items does the opposite.